No. 14 Bears Wins Cal Invitational With 2-0 Shutout of Purdue

'I thought we played better today than Friday,' said Cal coach Kevin Boyd. 'That was our goal. Our goal is to make sure we're improving all year long. We were a little worried because we knew they'd be a little fresher. They've got a few more players, and they played deeper on Friday than we did. I thought we matched up intensity and effort just as well. I thought we outplayed them. I thought we knocked the ball around well. They've got a good team.'

The Golden Bears, which opened the tournament and the season with a 2-0 shutout of Ohio State Friday, played without two key starters against the Boilermakers. Senior forward Laura Schott was forced to sit out today's game after receiving two yellow cards and a subsequent red card against the Buckeyes. Senior defender Kim Stocklmeir wasn't available for the Bears after she broke her collarbone in a collision in Friday's game.

Freshmen midfielder Tracy Hamm and forward Dania Cabello sparked Cal against the Boilermakers. After a scoreless first half, Hamm posted her second goal of the season in the 59th minute after receiving a through ball from Cabello.

'Tracy's got some God-given speed,' said Boyd. 'That's quite a gift. We want to keep using that to our benefit. She's also shown the ability to compose (herself) when she's in on a one-on-one. She puts the ball away. She's showing us what she's capable of.'

Cabello added an insurance goal in the 64th minute. Junior midfielder Kassie Doubrava served a left-footed cross from the left flank into the Purdue penalty area, and Cabello collected the ball and shot it under diving goalkeeper Maureen Carey.

'Dania has been very good for a couple of games,' said Boyd. 'She's exciting and crafty and creative. She draws players to her and then slips people in. I think Dania is doing quite well also.'

In the earlier game, No. 16 Saint Mary's defeated Ohio State, 3-1. The Gaels jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first half behind goals from reserve midfielder Shauna Rech and defender Jen Belzer. Ohio State closed the gap to 2-1 after forward Lisa Grubb drilled a 16-yard shot.

But Ohio State's rally was short-lived as just over a minute later Saint Mary's forward Lu Crenshaw headed in midfielder Sarah Churchill's corner kick.

'I thought the tournament was terrific,' said Boyd. 'Any fans should have enjoyed seeing four good teams.'